New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-07-11
A RAID ON WESTCHESEER.
roRrY.s1x LITTLE MAIDS FROM SCHOOL
Two WEEKS OF FRESH AIRING AT NORTH SALEM
LOTS or PUN AND TIRE BEST OF HEALTH.

Oh 1-SlA LII AAb -Ap'A|S ~~sN~~
rwo WEEKS OF FRESH AIRING AT NORTH SALEM
LOTS OF PUN AND TIE BEST OF HEALTH.
North SALEM N. Y, Jsly 9.-Fory- six little girls.
wearing tags on which written their names and
destinations waited patiently at the Grand central
Depot on Thursday morning for the train to Purdys
The little ones didn't know exactly where they were
gcing except that they bound Tor two-weeks
visit TO the country and this prospect was bright
enou gh to make then abundantly happy and cheerful
At q given signal they filed demureiy through the
waitingroon into the train. moment later the
inevitable rush for the window seats followed
Lunches appeared from mysterious hiding places, and
the train had scarcely started before the animated
restaurant MAS in lively operation.
these little girls of assorted sizes and various ages,
hsd left their homes In the tenement districts OF the
city bright and early in the morning. Twenty-nine
OF them pupils st the Wilson Industrial School,
No. 125 ST. Mark'splaee. and the houselleeper and
tie teachers at the school surprised beyond
measure when band OF the girls tripped up to the
door-bell at q o'clock that morning and puIled tue
bell Justify that every one in the school was
awakened b the awiul clangor.
Please. ma'am," said little tot, whose eyes
sparked with merriment, couldn't sleep last night
for thinking Of the country. and so came TO school
hops I'm not too late TO CO."
The small army were led into the schoolroom, and
not lVng aiterward the procession, row increased
until The entire party in line, fled out 10 the
street cars at the Grand Central Depot
The pames the tags showed that most OF the girls
were German and the neat appearance OF the children
inc icated that probably extra amount OF prepara-
ton hal been necessary to transform the tenement
girls into such prcseu table party. The medical ex-
animation had been conducted.by Dr. +. T.. Hopkins
At Purdy's Station four wagons and a stage coach
wers drawn up in line TO receive the yong pleasure
seekers and the population OF the village resolved
itself into an informal reception committee. Miss NJ.
A. Nelson the entertainer OF the children. was on
hsnd and orders the children took seats in the
comfortable coDveyanees the baggage was disposed
Of and with a shout from the villagers the merry pro-
cesson began its journey through the beautiful 1itcus
Valley 10 Miss NELSON'S cottage seven miles distant
The enthusiasm of the girls never Ragged and their
songs and shouts and the answering cries from wagon
TO wagon attracted the attention OF the farmers along
the way, who rushed to the roadside to learn the
meaning OF the noise and hnbbub. In this way the
party passed along the val,ey-by the country home
of Mrs L. S Grant, which peeps ont among the trees,
and the old home once inhabited b., Horace Greeley,
and known to this dsy the Greeley House"
There was great excitement at North Salem ~ the
cayacade passed through the quiet town. The cheers
and shouts and peals OF laughter OF the girls had
already heralded the advance .of the happy crowd,
and il seemed ID the whole village had turned ont
watch the procession, for the wagons were Obliged
70 nick their way through the crowd OF curious
people The inhabitants of North Salem had seen
marty of Fresh AIR child Leiore last rear, and
they did not regard their ARRIVAL IN the valley wlth
much enthusiasm. They feared that the city children
would bring infection and contagion IN their midst,
but when the chiidrsns vacation had ended without
any increase in North Salem's rate OF sickness or
;nortaty a reverson of feeling took place. and the
people began realize the grand olive OF the Fresh
Air work. Since the board oil medical examiners has
been established, every veetige OF objection will be
removed. Already the villagers are rendering sub
stantial aid The two cottages which Miss Nelson
provided have been furnished partly by their AID
and the good OF the village have made large
number OF undergarments for the chiidrcn. Inc
churches have taken up the work. and the Methodist
CHURCHES OF North Salem and Purdys Will send coz
ttbutioos for Frcek-Air work
The ride which had been OF the nature oil tr
umphal procession through tls valley, ended by the
side OF the Titicus River, which Mss Neilsoa has
trovided home Tor the forv-sx guests. After lunch
had been provided the children assigned 10 their
quarters. and we're then allowed TO wander all over
the plea grounds. They are accommodated III two
large farm houses, in of which Miss Nelson and
her assistants have their headquarters In the base
ment OF this house the large dining-roem is placed
where the youngsters enjoy tho excellent iare
which the valley produces. Back oil the house Is the
lavatory, where the girls make ni their morning
As a proof OF their cleanliness said Miss Nelson,
can assure you that tho children in the bathing
room almost halt the time" and the bright clean
facss Of the girls eoairaisd the remark geutle sort
OF discipline has been established The girls are Kept
within certain bounds, apples are interct-d "a
an artico of food and the pleasures OF unlimited
wadins III the Ttlcns River placsd under restric
ton. Yet there rs 10 lack OF amusement Swings
have been placed under the big rhestnut by the
brook, the children have plenty OF hay rides with the
Jolly farmers, and all sors OF games and romps occupy
the TINS
In the evening the party tssembies IN MISS NELSON'S
cottage whero a little chapel is iniprovised and
religious service consisting of Bible reading prayers
and singing Is held beioic the children retire. At
o'clock in the morning the rising bell rings. aud the
girls tumble Of bed to begin another days enJoy
men. in the country Already the ply influences
OF the vacation shOn ing theinselpes in the sun
burnt faces and arms and the healthier glow OF the
cheeks and the general sentiment seemed TO e1pIess
t.elf in the remark OF little GIRL who said I'll
be so tat in two weeks that don't think they get
me IL to the CARS"
This is the second year that Miss Nelson has euter
tanned the Fresh Air children. and abe has become
interested in the that she proposes 1T possible.
to arrange q permanent home ut North Salem W here
the children can be entertained each summer. AZ ~
probble that Miss Nelson may succeed Ia her Efforts
IA a number OF her friends and others inclined to
charitable DEEDS have interested Themselves IN the
undertaking. Their cooperation together with the
aid of the people oil North Salem and the surrounding
villages gives that this worthy plan may
be crowned with success.
The folIoxins ladies and gentlemen have contrib
uted 10 the support of the children entertained by
Miss Neson: Miss N. A. Nsiison. Mira w. L. Dixon,
Herbert Vail, Mrs y. Palmer, Mss M. Il. Dumont;
proceed. of a fair given by Mrs. Arthur Bel at
Manuion House, Brooklyn; Mss Turner. William
Howe Mrs Jane Keller, Mrs. X A. Storrs, j. Farless,
Mr. Fisher Miss j. Titus, Or. A. y. Winke, Miss
Iulu MORE, "A Friend" MISS c. long worth, Mss
J. Long we.th, Mrs. Lathrop Mrs. L. s. GrAnt Mrs.
z Vail and Mas Vail. Before the children return to
this city they will enjoy picnic gwen by Miss Nell
son IN some Lart OF the surrounding country.